Three Greek-Owned Tankers Struck by Drones in Black Sea Attack Near Russian Terminal

ATHENS, Jan 14 — A wave of drone strikes has targeted three Greek-owned oil tankers anchored in the Black Sea, intensifying concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Security firm Diaplous, a leading Greek maritime risk management agency, confirmed on Tuesday that the vessels were hit by unidentified Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) while awaiting loading schedules at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal.

Vessels and Damage Assessment

According to the Greek state news agency AMNA and industry reports, the targeted vessels have been identified as:

MT Matilda: A Maltese-flagged tanker managed by Thenamaris. The vessel, which was chartered by a subsidiary of Kazakhstan's state energy giant KazMunayGas (KMG), sustained minor damage to its deck structures. Thenamaris officials confirmed the crew is safe and the ship remains fully seaworthy.

MT Delta Harmony & MT Delta Supreme: Both Liberian-flagged tankers operated by Delta Tankers. The Delta Harmony reportedly suffered a fire on board following the strike, which was promptly extinguished by the crew without resulting in injuries.

Impact on Global Energy Flows

The attack has sent ripples through the global energy market. The CPC terminal is a vital artery for Central Asian oil, transporting approximately 80% of Kazakhstan’s crude exports to world markets via Russia.

Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry responded swiftly, issuing a statement that while the attacks are a "serious concern," they did not result in a spill or critical infrastructure failure. "No damage was caused to the export resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the ministry stated, noting that loading operations had not yet commenced when the strikes occurred.

Rising Tensions in the Black Sea

This incident marks a dangerous escalation in the region. The CPC terminal has been targeted repeatedly since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, including a notable drone strike in November 2025 that damaged a mooring point.

In response to the deteriorating security environment, war-risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in Russian Black Sea ports have surged, complicating logistics for international shippers. The Greek Foreign Ministry has condemned the attacks, stating they endanger civilian crews and threaten global energy stability.